TDs happy to punch clock for expenses

A survey suggests many TDs have no issues with attendance records

The era of unvouched TD expenses may be coming to an end. A Sunday Times survey of deputies has found that Brian Lenihan, the finance minister, would face almost no opposition if he presses ahead with proposals to force politicians to “clock in” for work.

Of 40 TDs contacted last week, just two were opposed to the idea of their being paid travel and overnight expenses only for days on which they can prove they were in the Dail by signing an attendance record.

Lenihan got a hostile reception from some government backbenchers when he proposed the changes earlier this month. Michael Fitzpatrick, a Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, is one of those opposed to the plan because he does not believe that elected representatives should have to clock in for work.

“We’ve been voted into office by the people of Ireland and I think we should be regarded